Arizona Dems Were On A Fundraising Kick this weekend in their determination to have Senate candidate Ann Kirkpatrick send Republican John McCain to his rocking chair. Dem polls had Kirkpatrick and McCain tied a few days ago. According to Dem Finance Director Herschel Fink, the Dems 1st Vice Chair Bill Roe “Generously volunteered to match any contribution made this weekend up to $25,000.” As of 8 pm., Sun. evening they were only $1,500 short and scrambling to meet the goal prior to the dead line.

The $4,000 Fee AZGOP Robert Graham has put on the national delegates who will be going to the National Republican Convention in Cleveland in July is still a hot topic. “Delegates, Alternates and guest are responsible for their own expenses in attending the National Convention. The cost for airfare, hotel and meals are estimated to be a minimum of $2,500.00 $4,000.00,” according to convention information posted at http://arizonagop.org/how-to-become-a-delegate-to-the-2016-state-or-national-conventions/

That’s A Big Jump In Estimated Expenses. As one reader says, “We could go on a cruise for much less and get everything...more than 3 meals, 5 star accommodations, wonderful entertainment etc. They probably planned this to help disqualify people.”

Many feel the new fee is just a way of getting PCs - Who Scrimped just to save up the original $2,500 fee - to remove their names from the national delegate nominee list. Others recommend not jumping the gun in removing your names - ride this out and withdraw from the floor on April 30 if necessary. National GOP delegates will be elected at the April 30 AZGOP Convention in Mesa. As of Friday, the potential national delegate candidates had been reduced from nearly 950 to something like 625 due to duplications and various technicalities.

And What Exactly Does a Delegate Get For The $4,000 Fee? Briefs sent a note to AZGOP Friday afternoon asking for a complete breakdown on what the $4,000 covers, but hasn’t received an answer at post time.

Alternates From Prior years say they went to national conventions for about half the estimated price because they shopped around for less expensive hotels/motels, didn’t attend some of the gala events/parties, and didn’t attend all the “wind-bag” speeches.

UPDATE: Early this morning, AZGOP Chairman Robert Graham responded to Briefs April 12 message to him asking if reports were true that he was “calling Trump supporters, trying to convert them to the Cruz camp?” His answer, “Not true. I have been open and fair wig (sic) both camps. I would encourage you to call Charles Munoz who works officially with the Trump campaign.”

State Delegates Would Do Well To Carefully Study the list of potential national delegates and find out where they stand on the front runner candidates Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. We know the delegates are bound to give their first vote to Trump per the PPE election, but from there on they can vote for whom they please.

It Is No Secret That Both The Trump And Cruz Camps are compiling lists of potential national delegate candidates who will support their candidates. Reports were rolling in during the LD state delegate meetings about list making and solicitations occurring at those elections, as well. It was so obvious at one LD election that a gentleman whispered in my ear, “CQ is strutting around out there. The fix is in,” as he walked past me. I couldn’t help but chuckle, since long-time candidate hustler/Political Consultant Constantin Querard aka CQ is one of Cruz’s key players in Arizona.

CQBurst On The Scene some 15-20 years ago and is well-known within the GOP political circle. He knows how the game is played - take a look at his legislative client list over the years. It’s also in his best interests to guide his clients to run for national delegates. He plays to win -- it’s his livelihood. Yesterday he posted a note on Facebook saying, “The Arizona Cruz Crew is looking for some volunteers to help at the AZGOP State Convention on Saturday April 30th. If you're already going to be there as a delegate or alternate, then this isn't for you. But if you're available to help, we'll pay your entrance fee (includes lunch) and be most grateful. Message me if you can help. Thanks!”

Briefs Has Been Approached several times via phone this past week by Cruz solicitors. I almost have to laugh as the phone workers probably aren’t aware that this state delegate, has absolutely no desire, nor intention of running as a national delegate … nor have I publicly endorsed candidates since I wrote my first political column in the late ‘60s. ft

It’s Common Knowledge That The Republican National Committee is determined to keep Presidential candidate Donald Trump off the ticket, so the RNC appears to be cozying up to Presidential candidate Ted Cruz – you know the guy the Establishment condemned in favor of Jeb Bush, then Marco Rubio. Many are wondering if the RNC is using Cruz to get rid of Trump and will then turn on Cruz and manipulate Presidential candidate John Kasich onto the ticket. Is that what RNC chairman Reince Priebus means when he says the RNC will back one of those running? Is Kasich the unnamed “new face” that Establishment Karl Rove is dangling on TV. Kasich isn’t a “new face” but he certainly hasn’t gotten the national media “face-time” that Trump/Cruz have up until the past few days. Is it coincidence that the Establishment picked Cleveland as the site for the national convention? Depending on which way the convention goes, are Paul Ryan and/or Rubio standing in the wings waiting for the cue to step forward??? The questions, speculation, and theories are endless.

Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools candidate Jana Jackson needs help gathering about 5,000 signatures on nominating petitions by the end of May to qualify for the ballot. See her website at http://www.jacksonforcountysuperintendent.com/

A Petition Calling For The Resignation Of AZGOP Chairman Robert Graham started circulating in Arizona Republican circles Friday morning. See Demand-AZGOP-Chair-Robert-Grahams-Resignation There were over 100 signatures as of Sunday evening. Although some say Graham/McCain will do everything possible to prevent the petition from reaching the April 30 State Convention floor – as was done with the resolution calling for Graham’s resignation at the Jan 23 State Mandatory meeting -- it is a reminder to Graham that some grassroots folks are less than happy with him. And it certainly doesn’t look good for his attempt to chair the Republican National Committee (RNC). And speaking of the RNC Chair, the word is out the Mitt Romney’s daughter is also reaching for the same rung on the GOP ladder.

LD22 Food Coordinator Heather Morgan is calling for volunteers to bring food to their April 18 meeting. Let her know if you can bring a dish. Contact: 602-410-9817 or HLMorgan@cox.net

LD22 meets at 6:30 pm, Mon., April 18 at the Westbrook Village Recreation Center located at 18823 N. Country Club Pkwy. Peoria, AZ 85382. Doors open at 5:30 pm for registration and pre-meeting conversation.

Brit Hume, senior political analyst for FOX News will speak at 7 p.m., May 5 at the Center for Arizona Policy Dinner at the AZ Biltmore Resort in Phx. tickets here

Mon, April 18, is the deadline to register to vote for the special May 17 election.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 18

The Arizona Project will meet at 6:30 pm., Mon., April 18 with LD24 PC Tristian Manos to discuss the audio book version the 5,000 Year leap. Chairman Ron Ludders says, “Is Presidential politics spinning out of control? Are you surprised to learn the lengths of political chicanery in both political parties? Are you mad as HELL and need to "blow off a little steam?" Well, that's what we're here for.” Then come on by Monday evening and let's talk. You feel better and it's nice to know you are not alone.” The group meets at 3375 E Shea Blvd., Phx. 602.677.1496

The Sun City Republican Club Annual BBQ is scheduled between 6-9 pm., Mon., April 18 at the Quail Run Golf Pavilion, 9774 Alabama Ave. in Sun City. $10 per person. RSVP by April 15 to Patti Thompson at 713-557-5800 suncitygopclub@gmail.com Visitors are welcomed but must be escorted by RCSC cardholders. Secretary of State Michele Reagan will address the group. Any candidates in the audience will be recognized. RSVP by April 15 to suncitygopclub@gmail.com or Thompson at 713-557-5800. Contact: Peter Leemdcyclist@live.com

Jana Jackson, Candidate for Maricopa County Superintendent of schools, will speak at the LD20 meeting at 7 pm., Mon., April 18 at Washington Elementary #8, located at 4650 W. Sweetwater, Glendale. Contact: www.JacksonForSuperintendent.com 602-516-4781. ​

Governor Doug Ducey will tour Loma Linda Elementary School on Mon., April 18. LLES is an A+ School of Excellence in the Creighton Elementary School District, serving 650 K-8 students.

The Yavapai County Republicans To Elect Donald J. Trump for President Committee Meeting is scheduled at 6 pm, Tues., April 19 at Randall's Restaurant at Prescott Country Club, 1030 N. Prescott Country Club Blvd, Dewey, AZ RSVP: Brenda Dickinson, (928) 772-2835 or (928) 925-1549. Seating is limited and head count is necessary for staffing. No cost, but order from the menu is requested in order to avoid a room fee. Directions to: http://www.randallstherestaurant.com/

AZ Corporation Commission Candidate Al Melvin will speak to the Colorado River Tea Party at 6 pm., April 21 in the in the Community Christian Church,6480 E. Hwy 95. Contact: Sally Kizer, Chairman coloradoriverteaparty@yahoo.com 928-210-1219.

A Lecture About Islam is planned at 1 pm., Sat., April 23 at the Coffinger Park office in Wickenburg. Call 928-427-0309 or 0088 for reservations.

April 24

Congressman Trent Franks Family All American BBQ is scheduled between 1-3 pm., Sun., April 24 at the farm of Ed and Margaret Bond and Judy Bond Connell, 8404 W Augusta, Glendale. Hot dogs, ice cream and children’s carnival games. Congressmen Paul Gosar and David Schweikert will be in attendance. $100 per family of two adults, plus children. $40 per individual or $75 per couple. Sponsorships available. RSVP Jessica Lycos at 480-494-5784 or jessica@slgroupllc.com

Congressman Trent Franks Family All American BBQ is scheduled between 1-3 pm., Sun., April 24 at the farm of Ed and Margaret Bond and Judy Bond Connell, 8404 W Augusta, Glendale. Hot dogs, ice cream and children’s carnival games. Congressmen Paul Gosar and David Schweikert will be in attendance. $100 per family of two adults, plus children. $40 per individual or $75 per couple. Sponsorships available. RSVP Jessica Lycos at 480-494-5784 or jessica@slgroupllc.com